What the Bruins' salary cap situation looks like post-Swayman contract

Swayman ranks among the league’s top-10 goalies and was considered to be its premier performer through two rounds of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Although signing this new contract raises expectations, Swayman thrives under pressure and criticism and should feel no threat of disappointment or disillusionment from it. “My end goal is to win the Stanley Cup,” Swayman declared during a press conference Sunday. “And this group can do that and will have several chances at it over many seasons.” Every year of Swayman’s tenure on his current squad will make that goal come to fruition, according to him. What does this contract entail for the Bruins’ salary cap situation? Well, as of this writing (according to PuckPedia), they currently possess approximately $387,000 of cap space with 23 players currently active (13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goalies). Assuming they waive or send goaltender Jiri Patera to Providence of the American Hockey League (AHL), and goaltender Brandon Bussi outright for Providence as per PuckPedia estimates, Boston would gain approximately $2.22 million of cap space. Bussi would need to clear waivers before being sent down to Providence. UPDATE: According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, The Bruins placed Bussi and Patera on waivers on Sunday after inking Swayman for $8.25M; projecting $387K of projected cap space among their 23 active players with 13 forwards (7 defensemen/3 goaltenders/7 defensemen/3 goaltenders; this assumes Patera is released/sent down prior to opening day roster cut down while Bussi remains on opening roster & Patera goes back down before opening roster expands/expands in October/November/2010 Bussi would open $1.16M Proj Cap Space. PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) October 6, 2024 The Bruins may create additional cap space by waiving or sending down certain players in the next 24 hours to Providence. All 32 teams must submit their Opening Night rosters by 5 p.m. today for inclusion into the league’s competitions. PuckPedia estimates the Bruins should have around $18 million of cap space next offseason; however, several important players with expiring contracts require new deals as soon as this summer. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney recently addressed these three players and commented at a press conference last Monday on this trio: Brad Marchand as captain; Trent Frederic as center; and Morgan Geekie as center. Sweeney discussed these individuals during their discussions at camp meetings this week: “I have spoken with (Frederic’s). 100%.” “Yes, absolutely accurate. Morgan Geekie is an RFA. I had discussions with his camp and many conversations have taken place between Morgan Geekie’s camp and Brad Marchand’s as we attempt to reach an understanding. So yes, you know we are working closely together.” “When possible and within the parameters of league and collective bargaining agreements, we take proactive steps when talking with players,” according to Benninger. Beecher and Kastelic as well as Lohrei will all become restricted free agents next summer and be subject to free agency restrictions. Defenseman Parker Wotherspoon and Bussi will become eligible for unrestricted free agency in July, so the Bruins have some work ahead. Their regular season kicks off Tuesday in Florida against Stanley Cup champ Panthers before hosting rival Montreal Canadiens Thursday at TD Garden for homecoming game.